Jobbet "Postdoc in CO2 Reduction to Fuels" er udløbet.
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The research at DTU Energy focus on energy technologies for conversion and storage of energy. Our research span from fundamental materials investigations at the nanoscale to manufacture and test of components produced by industrially relevant processes. The research builds on strong competences within materials science, electrochemistry, synthesis, functional polymers and ceramics, thin films, modelling and characterization. These competences are pursued by the research sections of the department.
Research within most, if not all, energy conversion and storage technologies requires a multidisciplinary approach. 

The present research field is concerned with a novel method for transforming CO2 from waste product to valuable resources by creating fuels from water, CO2 and electricity. The main aim is developing further the unique medium temperature one-step CO2-electrolysis which shows impressive potential to produce liquid fuels, e.g. methanol and dimethyl ether (DME), at the high energy efficiencies required for competing with fossil fuels. The focus will be on developing catalysts for liquid fuel production, further development of the solid electrolyte as well as performing a techno-economic evaluation and comparison to high temperature CO2-electrolysis technology

Responsibilities and tasks 
The focus is on the cathode, where the surface is critical and must enable both reduction of CO2 to CO as well as hold the CO long enough to facilitate further reaction to the desired higher value molecules. A number of metals and alloys will be produced on electrodes and tested electrochemically in an existing setup for 7 cm2 cells with respect to overpotential, selectivity, conductivity, as well as stability. Wet-chemical synthesis or electro-plating will be the preferred approach to catalyst production. Initially, focus will be on producing metal-based crystalline phase pure catalysts with high selectivity for methanol. Characterization of the different electrode materials, before and after use will be performed. 
The anode is mostly important as a means of lowering the overall cell voltage. Cheaper materials are considered among e.g. titanium or tantalum activated with IrO2. Also protection of the anode flow plate is required due to oxygen activity and needs further improvement. 

The used proton conducting electrolytes is based on MH2PO4 salts (M= Li, K, Cs) as the conductive components combined with a retaining material. At present SiC is used, and alternatives will be investigated including polymer binders. Methods of producing large scale, homogeneous and thin electrolytes will be pursued. The outcome will directly contribute to the cell voltage reduction as well as improve the potential for scale up. The following point should be taken into account:

  • Cathode catalyst development. Identification, manufacture and characterization of potential cathode catalysts
  • Development of scalable powder synthesis and plating methods for selected catalysts
  • Development of improved anode and protective coating of anode flow plate
  • Testing of development catalysts performance against target in 7 cm2 electrochemical setup
  • Testing of development catalysts performance against target in 7 cm2 electrochemical setup 
  • Solid electrolytes with thickness below 200 μm delivered for 7 cm2 testing 
  • 280 cm2 solid electrolyte thinner than 200 μm demonstrated but not verified 
  • Test protocol documenting test conditions, procedures and date interpretation 

The project is a collaboration between DTU and the two Danish companies Danish Power Systems and Elplatek and the applicant should be able to work with these companies.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent.

Candidates with the following are preferred

  • You have a PhD degree in chemistry 
  • You are experienced working in a chemical laboratory
  • You are well-founded within surface coatings
  • You are self-driven and work independently
  • You like to find new creative solutions
  • You enjoy working with complex topics
  • You has excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
  • You can work independently and take responsibility for the progress and quality of projects

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The employment is for 24 months with start as soon as possible and the work place will be Lyngby Campus.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Niels J. Bjerrum, tel.: +45 4525 2307.

Application procedure 
Please submit your online application no later than 13 March 2020 (23:59 local time). Apply via the link "Ansøg". 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

  • Application (cover letter)
  • CV
  • Diploma (MSc/PhD)
  • List of publications 

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Please write in your application that you've seen the job at Jobfinder.